Overview & Reviews

The Toyota Camry quietly debuted late in the 1983 model year, when Toyota replaced its old rear-wheel-drive Corona with the front-wheel-drive Camry, a car aimed specifically at the U.S. market. From these humble beginnings, the Camry would go on to dominate the midsize family sedan segment for virtually all of the next quarter-century, as consumers immediately embraced it for its high build quality, comfortable ride and impressive durability.

New or used, the Camry comes pretty highly recommended. As the Camry sells in such high numbers, finding one that matches your criteria should be pretty easy. It is worth noting that the family segment has improved greatly in more recent years. Many competing sedans have matched or outpaced the Camry in terms of quality and desirability, particularly in comparison to the sixth-generation model. The latest version of the Camry, however, has largely shored up the car's reputation as a go-to choice.

Current Toyota Camry
The five-passenger Toyota Camry is offered in L, LE, SE, SE Sport and XLE trim levels with a choice of two engines. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, while the available (depending on trim) 3.5-liter V6 makes 268 hp and 248 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, and sends power to the front wheels.

The Camry L's feature highlights include air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, a touchscreen display and a six-speaker sound system with a USB interface. Stepping up to the LE gets you a few more features, while the SE spices things up with a sport-tuned suspension and sporty styling treatments. The SE Sport features bigger wheels, a sunroof and a power driver seat. The luxurious XLE reverts to a softer suspension and adds a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats and leather upholstery (V6). A premium audio system with a larger touchscreen and upgraded navigation system can be added to XLE models.

It should be noted that halfway into the 2014 model year, the Camry's standard equipment was revised. As such, the rearview camera became standard across the board, the upper trims picked up some enhanced audio features and the Entune name was expanded to cover all of the car's infotainment systems (not just the one with smartphone integration).

In reviews, we've praised this Toyota Camry's interior, which provides roomy seating, admirable outward visibility and well-placed controls. What the cabin design lacks in cohesiveness, it makes up for with generally good materials quality, especially the handsome stitching on the dash and door panels of upper trims. Toyota's Entune system is also praiseworthy in the way it easily adds enhanced audio, information and navigation features, although the touchscreen's virtual buttons can be a little frustrating to use at times.

Overall, this Camry provides the comfort and the quiet and smooth ride that should please a wide swath of midsize sedan shoppers. Power and fuel economy are excellent with either engine as well. The only major downside is the car's handling, which isn't as lively or engaging as that of other top family sedans, such as the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima.

Used Toyota Camry Models
The latest (seventh) generation Toyota Camry debuted for 2012 and has a number of significant improvements over the previous one. The interior is significantly nicer than before, and the four-cylinder engine is more powerful. Yet the car is still unmistakably a Camry, with a focus on pragmatic appeal and convenience. Changes since have been minimal. For 2014, the SE Sport trim level joined the lineup, while halfway through that model year saw some minor equipment shuffling that included the rearview camera becoming standard across the board.

The previous sixth-generation Camry was produced for the 2007-'11 model years. In reviews, we commented favorably about the Camry's spacious cabin, powerful and fuel-efficient optional V6, plush ride quality and top crash test scores. Unlike older Camrys, though, this one was let down by disappointing interior plastics, inconsistent fit and finish and uninspiring driving dynamics for non-SE models. It's a respectable choice for a used family sedan, but we thought more highly of competing models, such as the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima.

For most of its production run, the Camry was offered in LE, SE and XLE trim levels. The entry-level model was labeled as the CE trim, but only for the first year. Base and LE models came fairly well equipped, while the SE brought with it a sport-tuned suspension. The softer-sprung XLE included items such as a premium sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power passenger seat, reclining rear seats and leather upholstery (V6). Most of the features on the higher-trimmed models were offered on supporting trims as options. Other major options included a sunroof and a navigation system.

This Camry was offered with either a four- or six-cylinder engine, with improvements made over the years. The initial base engine was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produced 158 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque (slightly lower in California and other states). A five-speed manual or five-speed automatic was available, though four-cylinder XLEs were automatic only. The 3.5-liter V6 produced 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque and was paired to a six-speed automatic only.

In 2010, the base engine was increased to 2.5 liters and power output was boosted to 169 hp. The SE was further pushed to 179 hp. Both manual and automatic transmissions were also upgraded to six speeds. Other 2010 changes included a restyled grille and taillights, and standard stability control, satellite radio and Bluetooth for all models.

Previous to this was the fifth-generation car that was produced from 2002-'06. As expected, it was a comfortable sedan that offered a roomy cabin, a choice of inline-4 or V6 power and, depending on trim level and optional equipment, most of the latest safety features such as stability control and side curtain airbags. However, prior to 2005, the base Camry did not come standard with antilock brakes. As with other Camrys, we generally found this generation to be very good in terms of room, comfort and feature content.

Three engines were available for this generation. The first was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that made 154 hp (145 with PZEV emissions controls). It was mated to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission (four-speed prior to '05) and should be powerful enough for the majority of buyers. A 3.0-liter V6 that generated 190 hp was also available (18 hp less prior to '04) on the LE and XLE trim levels, while a 210-hp, 3.3-liter V6 (introduced for 2004) was available on the SE model only. These six-cylinder Camrys came with the automatic only. In previous years, these power numbers were higher because of a change in measurement that occurred in 2006, although actual output never changed.

Like the more recent versions, the 1997-2001 Toyota Camry sedan offered a quiet, stress-free driving experience. Many desirable modern features were also available, including side airbags and antilock brakes (which became standard on all trim levels except the base CE). It, too, was offered with four- and six-cylinder powertrains.

Although a Camry older than 1997 is likely to have quite a few miles on it, it is still something to consider for folks on a tight budget. Provided it has been faithfully maintained, a 1992-'96 Camry (which was available in coupe, sedan and wagon body styles) should be able to spin its odometer to nearly 200,000 miles without major problems. It's this final trait, more than any other, that has kept the Toyota Camry popular with buyers over the last two decades.

User Reviews:

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  Most reliable car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By eragchaa - May 18 - 2:03 pm

  I bought my Camry by accident, I was test driving used VW Passat, and was about to leave but I saw 01 camry, and test drove. Car had 98000 miles on it. and now I have 155000 on it and I have no problems at all, great drive, smooth, no major repairs, just oil change. Great gas millage. New Camry have some issues, but theyll fix it and come up more reliable.

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  This Car Has been Good to Me! - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By avedada - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car which I purchased new for over 2 years now and it has been really good to me. No problems whats so ever. Car has no raddle-ing which I had always experienced in American made cars after a few years. The car drives just like it did (when it was brand new!) The inside cabin is so quiet, (similiar to a Lexus) I was amazed! I love my Toyota, and would purchase another Toyota product.

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  Excellent Value for the Money - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Jay Rock - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Wow. This was a good buy. I had a 1998 Contour SE before this and its a much different feeling. Interior looks like higher quality materials were used. More convenience features like extendable visors make it nice. This is a soft, quiet ride. Even on the freeway. Albeit, more passing power could be used on the freeway, at the time I just couldnt find one with the V6 :( Insurance costs are a bit up there though but overall a good purchase in my mind. Avg 25 mpg with good mix of city & freeway.

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  they did it again - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By tommie - May 17 - 10:00 am

  We also have an 2001 camry this 2003 car feels roomier inside and more comfortable the dashboard is better placed I like the temperature showing all the time not like the 01 where you have to reach and press a buttom we only have 2100 miles on it but took it to vist my first grand child in North Carolina the 500 mile trip the car handle and rode like a dream and I was amazed at the gas mileage we only stopped once for gas. WOW

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  Outstanding car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Nick - May 14 - 11:33 pm

  This is my first new car and Im happy I went with the Camry. This car has plenty of pick up and go even with the in line four cylinder engine along with good gas mileage and handling. Not to mention the new body style is awesome. Overall everything is great and Im now a loyal Toyota owner.

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  Solid Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By AJ - May 14 - 2:10 pm

  Overall, the car is great. For just over $16,000 brand new, there is nothing better on the market. Ive owned an Acura TL, RL, and a Range Rover before, and only the RL compares in ride. The tires do go fast, but nothing else has given me a problem. Ive already put 42,000 miles on it and it runs like new. Although it is somewhat weak, you cant really expect more from a 4 cyl. Overall, great car.

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  ToyotaLuvaLova!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By BobsandJ - May 14 - 10:10 am

  Sat in the cockpit of this of the V6 Camry SE 3 yrs ago, test drove and fell in love with it. 3 yrs later, still happy with the choice we made. I love the V6 kick, turning radius is to die for, very roomy interior makes for a great road trip car, do a 6 day, 40- mile/day commute plus some city, yet fill my tank twice/month, thats MPG!. Other than routine maintenance, havent heard a squeak from this car 30K later. Have had only positive experiences with this car, so no plans to sell or trade this comfortable reliable car anytime soon!

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  Satisfied - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Satisfied - May 13 - 5:30 am

  I currently own 2 American cars and my Camry is the first semi-American car Ive owed. I love this car! Its got a better ride (to me) than a very popular America luxury car. I am impressed with the color, body style, and options. For what I paid, I couldnt have purchased a better car! Which leads me to what I call the "I dont know why that happened (IDKWH)" issues. After I drove off from the dealership, car stalled. I took it back they said, "IDKWH". Fine, then check engine light again. Take it back. Charcoal canister. Fine they fixed it. 4 months after the stall, it stalled again, take it back, "idkwh". I love this car I hope they car fix it or give me a new one. Buyer-b-aware!

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  A great car overall - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Mark Y - May 12 - 1:36 pm

  Combines comfort, value, smooth ride and quality in the best package I have seen in 34 years of driving. Smooth ride, excellent visibility, especially on longer trips. I bought the 4-cyl model since my daily commute is under 5 miles one way, so I feel a bit underpowered on the 1 or 2 days I get on the freeway. However, at higher speeds, it has passing power and feels smooth even on bumpy roads. Did I mention the smooth ride of the car?

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  Great Car - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Lillie - May 11 - 8:30 am

  I purchased this car in 1996 with 24000 miles. My son was in Kindergarten when purchased and is now in his 2nd year of college. It has been the best car I have ever had. I have owned Fords, etc., but none of them have been reliable. It now has 235000 miles and is finally giving in. Ive driven it to Louisiana, Oregon, Kansas many times and has been thru 2 accidents. I wanted a small SUV so I just purchased a 2006 Honda CRV with very low miles and hope to keep it for a long time too. I would have purchased a newer RAV but dont like the style. I would have kept my Camry longer.